Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Modeling of the Coastal Zone
Abstract
The long-range goal of this project is to improve our ability to understand and predict environmental conditions in the coastal zone. The primary scientific objectives of the proposed research are to use a coupled atmosphere-ocean model to investigate and quantify the interaction between the oceanic and atmospheric boundary layers and its effect on environmental conditions in the coastal zone. The main focus will be on boundary layer interactions under coastal upwelling conditions in which cold, upwelled ocean surface water induces the development of stable internal boundary layers in the atmosphere and thereby reduces low-level winds and surface stress. Research will also investigate the effects of coastal terrain and diurnal heating and the interaction of forced coastal atmospheric flows on ocean circulation. The approach used in this project is to combine numerical model results with in-situ and remote-sensing observations to understand and quantify physical processes in the coastal, coupled atmosphere-ocean and test their representation in mesoscale atmospheric models. Efforts this year have focused on understanding the relative importance of atmosphere-ocean coupling in comparison with coastal terrain and diurnal forcing. Simulations were conducted using an idealized coastline with a single point; they emphasized how coastal features interact with diurnal heating and boundary layer coupling. Results with and without coupling are being analyzed to determine how both the atmosphere and ocean respond and will be reported in a publication in preparation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA526885
Entities
People
- Eric D. Skyllingstad
- Roger M. Samelson
Organizations
- Oregon State University